--- title: "GMAT Coaching" description: "GMAT Focus Edition is widely accepted by Indian one-year MBA programs (ISB PGP, IIM PGPX, IIM EPGP, XLRI PGDBM-BM) as an alternative to CAT. Most appropriate for experienced professionals targeting executive-style programs. T.I.M.E. Coimbatore offers structured GMAT prep with Indian-application context." url: "https://timecbe.com/exams/gmat" archetype: "course" locale: "en-IN" --- # GMAT Coaching > **Quick answer.** T.I.M.E. Coimbatore GMAT coaching prepares aspirants for the Graduate Management Admission Test - required by 2,300+ business schools worldwide for MBA admissions, including ISB, IIM EPGP, and most international B-schools. GMAT Focus Edition prep for one-year MBA programs at ISB, IIM PGPX, IIM EPGP, and other Indian B-schools that accept GMAT as an alternative to CAT - typically targeted at experienced professionals. ## At a glance - **Full form:** Graduate Management Admission Test - **Category:** Management - **Conducting body:** Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) ## Format - **Duration:** 2 hours 15 minutes total (computer-based, computer-adaptive) - **Scoring:** Overall 205-805 in 10-point increments; section scores 60-90 each. - **Sections:** - Quantitative Reasoning (45 min) - 21 questions: problem-solving (no data sufficiency under Focus Edition). Arithmetic, algebra, word problems. - Verbal Reasoning (45 min) - 23 questions: reading comprehension + critical reasoning. (Sentence correction removed in Focus Edition.) - Data Insights (45 min) - 20 questions: data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, table analysis, two-part analysis. ## Key dates - **Availability:** Year-round at Pearson VUE test centres + GMAT Focus Edition Online (proctored at-home) - **Application cycles:** ISB PGP: Round 1 Sep, Round 2 Nov, Round 3 Jan; IIM PGPX: Sep-Jan; XLRI PGDBM-BM: Aug-Nov ## Score interpretation - **705+ (95+ percentile)** - Strong score for ISB, IIM PGPX, IIM EPGP. Most admitted Indian-applicant cohorts cluster here. - **645-705 (80-95 percentile)** - Competitive for executive MBA programs (IIM EPGP, XLRI PGDBM-BM, SPJIMR PGEMP) and many Indian B-schools accepting GMAT. - **545-645 (60-80 percentile)** - Below the bar for top Indian one-year programs; consider profile-strengthening or retake before applying to ISB / IIM PGPX. ## What we offer - **Mock series:** GMAT Focus Edition mock series + section-wise drilling (Quant / Verbal / Data Insights) - **Batch types:** Classroom (weekends), Online live, Test-series only - **Duration:** 8-12 weeks for structured prep; intensive 4-6 week track for retakers - T.I.M.E.'s GMAT prep emphasizes the new Data Insights section (introduced in Focus Edition, light on existing study material) and Quant strategy specific to GMAT's compact 21-question format. Most students are working professionals - schedule accommodates weekend / evening attendance. Fee structure: please enquire below. ## GMAT or CAT for ISB / IIM one-year MBA? Both accepted. GMAT is typically the choice for experienced professionals (5+ years work) targeting one-year programs at ISB / IIM PGPX / IIM EPGP. CAT is the default for two-year PGP programs at IIM A/B/C and most other IIMs. The one-year programs explicitly target experienced cohorts where GMAT is the global standard. ## What's the work-experience expectation? ISB PGP: 2+ years (typical admit 4-6 years). IIM PGPX: 5+ years minimum, typical admit 8-12 years. IIM EPGP: 5+ years. XLRI PGDBM-BM: 5+ years typically. Less work experience generally means CAT + 2-year PGP is the right path; more experience means GMAT + one-year program. ## How is the Indian one-year MBA structured? 12-15 month immersive program. Heavier on case-method teaching, leadership development, and specialisation electives than 2-year programs. Summer internship typically replaced by in-program consulting / live projects. Placement happens at the program's end (single placement window) rather than the 2-year program's summer + final placement pattern. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is my GMAT score valid for Indian programs? Five years from the test date for most Indian programs that accept GMAT. ISB and IIM PGPX accept GMAT scores from the prior 5-year window. Older scores typically need a retake. ### Can I take CAT + GMAT in parallel? Yes - many working professionals do. CAT typically tests in November; GMAT is year-round. Some students prep for both, choose one as primary and the other as backup based on practice-mock outcomes. ### What's the at-home GMAT option? GMAT Focus Edition Online is available with a personal computer and webcam, monitored by remote proctor. Same content and scoring as test-center version. Useful for working professionals in tier-2 / tier-3 cities far from Pearson VUE centres. ### Do Indian B-schools see canceled GMAT scores? No - scores you cancel at the test center are not reported to schools and don't appear on your GMAT score history. You can also cancel within 72 hours after the test for a small fee. ### How does GMAT fit into ISB / IIM application timing? Most one-year programs run application rounds (R1 / R2 / R3). Earlier rounds (R1) typically have higher admit rates. Plan to have your GMAT score in hand 2-3 months before R1 deadlines so application essays can integrate the score context.